Here's The Skinny On My Fave Festival Films of 2017

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Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri -  Frances McDormand rips through this film like a forest fire as Mildred, an avenging Mother trying to find out who killed her daughter. This disturbing story is not without humour which is dark and deeply satisfying. 
Call Me By Your Name - An exquisite film by Luca Guadagnino adapted from Andre Aciman's novel. He focuses on moments of awakening, desire, first love, jealousy and longing.  Languorously drawn out against the sensual summer backdrop of Northern Italy. Beautiful.
Film Stars Don't Die In Liverpool - Based on the book by Peter Turner, a memoir of his affair with the film star Gloria Graham. The film reflects on their romance whilst dealing with the brutal reality of her illness and refusal to succumb to it. A touching film, sensitive but not sentimental.

The Party - A star studded gem by Sally Potter who draws her observations of the left wing political elite with scalpel like precision. A mere 71 minutes long, the dialogue is served like a gourmet dinner that you will be savouring long after it has finished. Delicious.

Beast - First Feature by Michael Pearce. Filmed in the idyllic location of Jersey, where a serial killer is at large and the local community is on edge. Moll and Pascal, both misfits and inherently damaged people find solace in each other. Thriller with a sly twist at the end.
Here To Be Heard: The Story Of The Slits - Captures the essence of this all female band, demanding a place and fighting to be heard on their own terms, in the changing music scene of 1970's Britain. The film is narrated by Tessa Pollitt using personal archive material and rare video footage. Music documentary. Powerful women.

 © Theresa Collins

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